M8 vs. M9 files part 1

[nsng]

I decided to carry out some tests with the M9. The main objective is to determine if the higher resolution will result in visible differences at different enlargements. Given that the M9 sensor is 18mpx and the M8 is only 10mpx, one should see visible differences, but at what enlargements?

For the purpose of this test, I used two lenses, 28mm Summicron-Asph and the 35mm Summilux-Asph. With the 28mm. on the M8, the field of view is equivalent to a 37mm lens, while the 35mm remains the same with the M9.The critics will say, this is flawed as I will be testing with two different lenses. This might be the case, but at least I will be able to see the difference, if any, at different enlargements. Both these lenses are superb as testified by their MTF charts as well as my own experience.

Settings and Processing

M8 files shot as compressed DNG
M9 files shot as uncompressed DNG. The uncompressed DNG could have an advantage.
Processed with C1, converted to 16-bit tiff. M8 files @ 59MB, M9 files @103.45MB
No sharpening or noise reduction applied. However, with AWB, the M8 files appeared warmer compared to the M9 files. I left these files uncorrected.

For uprezzing or down-rezzing , I used bicubic smoother.
For printing to A3 size, I uprezzed to 15”x10”. With M9’s case it is actually down-rezzing. For printing to A2 size, I uprezzed to 20”x 13.4”. For printing to A1 size, I uprezzed to 20”x30”. As I do not print full bleed, I leave enough borders for matting. I have included the A1 size as this will be an excellent test of the M9 sensor as well as the lens. My printer can only handle up to A2 size. As these were saved as jpgs you might not be able to see the differences very clearly.

I have posted cropped sections at their print sizes. At 100% pixel level you will see a difference, but this is not the real objective. In the real world we do not pixel peep photos at 100%! I have only included 100% view for the 20x30 enlargements.

Enough words, let’s look at the photos. The first photo is an uncropped view followed by the cropped sections.

Part 1
1) Cropped from 10” x 15”
2) Cropped from 13” x 20”

Part 2
3) Cropped from 20” x 30":
4) 20” x 30” at 100%.



M8 15X10 cropped

M9 15x10 cropped

M8 20X13 cropped

M9 20X13 cropped

end part 1

 

[falterego]

Nice job. I would have preferred the same lens on 2 cameras, possibly at different ISO, for more empirical data. That way, we could dig into at the 100% crop for details.

Anyway, I assume the M8 shots were taken with the IR filter on. What about the M9? Could be why M8 pic appeared warmer?